Monthly Archives: June 2011

Modern Woodmen of America

Posted on June 26, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Joseph Cullen was a prolific founder–he founded four fraternal organizations during his lifetime, one of them being the Modern Woodmen of America (MWA).  MWA was founded on on January 5, 1883.  Root himself had been a member of several organizations, including the … Continue reading →

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Another Sea Shell

Posted on June 25, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The shell is an obvious symbol of baptism because of its association to water.  In fact, a shell is often used to scoop up and sprinkle water during the baptismal ceremony and often designed as part of the decoration and symbolism … Continue reading →

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Cloaked sentinel

Posted on June 24, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

There were two cemeteries, The Mormon Pioneer Cemetery and Forest Lawn Cemetery, close to Florence Elementary School where I attended kindergarten through fifth grade.  Since the Pioneer Cemetery was on the way home, if I took the long way, I never spent … Continue reading →

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Heart in Hand

Posted on June 21, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The Hand-in-Heart symbol has significance with several organizations and religions, especially the Shakers, but when coupled with the three linked rings, it is associated with the Odd Fellows.  Even though, the marble gravestone in the photographs has eroded, the Heart-in-Hand … Continue reading →

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More Odd Fellows

Posted on June 20, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

In addition to the metal markers next to gravestones that signify Odd Fellows membership, gravestones are also carved with the symbolism of the association.  On this monument for Stephen and Mary Hoskin in the Fairmont Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, is … Continue reading →

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Odd Fellows

Posted on June 18, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The metal marker above when seen next to a gravestone denotes that the deceased was a member of the fraternal organization of Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  Odd Fellows is an fraternal organization that formed in England in the 1700s … Continue reading →

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Winning in Heaven

Posted on June 15, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Really?  This is what you want on your gravestone?  I barely know where to begin.  I imagine that this person loved to play the slot machines but “Winning in Heaven”?  There is so much that is wrong with the symbolism on … Continue reading →

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Goldie

Posted on June 14, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The photograph above is a family photo.  The couple standing next to the tombstone was my great grandmother, Sarah Caroline Anderson’s, sister, Fannie, her husband, Willie Williams, (yes, his name was William Williams) their three daughters and a pair of friends.  … Continue reading →

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Art Nouveau

Posted on June 12, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The Art Nouveau movement was a bridge between Neoclassicism and Modernism and reached it’s popularity from 1890 to 1905.  Luminary artists such as Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec; glass designers Rene Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany, and … Continue reading →

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Cradle gravestones

Posted on June 11, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Cradle gravestones frame the plot and look much like a cradle without the legs, which is how they get their name.  The marble gravestone above features a sea shell with a sleeping baby nestled inside.  One end is larger and … Continue reading →

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